Imagine being a child whose need to go to their favorite school could be fulfilled by simply crossing the street. That happy and curious kid was me and during the 1950s and 1960s. I could look out of almost any window of my apartment at 70 Lenox Avenue and see the 112th Street side of Public School 170. I have so many pleasant memories of spending grades Kindergarten through sixth there and I'm certain that I'm not alone.
PS 170
Across The Street
View from apartment 2J from 70 Lenox Avenue as seen during the early 1960's
Public School 170 newly built
The PS 170 was probably built on or before the beginning of the year 1900. Surrounding tenements would be constructed and torn down as the decades moved forward. For half a century, the tall windows peered across the 112th Street side of the school as they patiently waited for Foster Projects to be constructed in the 1950s.
Structurally, the front the building (the 112th Street side), looks almost exactly the same as the rear (the 111th Street side). When seen from the above, the entire school looked like a giant 'H.'
To prove how long PS 170 had been around, the five-story towers, on the 111th Street side, could easily be seen from nearby Central Park in 1905. Of course, the splendid gothic towers were only clearly visible because the row of buildings between 110th St. and 111th Street had not yet been built.
Structurally, the front the building (the 112th Street side), looks almost exactly the same as the rear (the 111th Street side). When seen from the above, the entire school looked like a giant 'H.'
To prove how long PS 170 had been around, the five-story towers, on the 111th Street side, could easily be seen from nearby Central Park in 1905. Of course, the splendid gothic towers were only clearly visible because the row of buildings between 110th St. and 111th Street had not yet been built.
PS 170 as seen from the Harlem Meer in Central Park. Photo date 1905.
PS 170 - Main stairs, fourth floor - Photo date 1905
PS 170 - Photo date 1920
|
As the day approached that I'd attend the school, the uncomfortable old wooden desks which so many before me endured, waited for me. Notice the lid of the inkwell (and empty slots), which ceased being used decades before I got there.
Combination seat and desk with inkwell
|
By the time the 1950s rolled around and Foster Projects was constructed, I was able to see PS 170 from the windows of my second floor apartment. As I played in the 'Little Park,' I heard stories from my older brother Louis about his fun times in the school. Needless to say, I was excited to begin.
At the age of five years, I walked through the small park with my mother and brother so I could begin Kindergarten. One year later, after I did so well with wooden blocks, finger painting, the musical triangle and getting along with other children, I was promoted to the FIRST grade. Below is my proof.
Certificate of Promotion dated 1959
As I got older and came to school on my own, the teachers in the school yard instructed all students to line up before the entrance doors prior to the bell ringing. What confused me was that the female students had to line up and enter the school through the 112th Street entrance but the male students had to use the 111th Street entrance. Regardless, once inside, all our classes were co-ed.
Between 1956 and 1965, my brother Louis and I made many great memories because of the dear friends who also lived at Foster Projects and close by.
Between 1956 and 1965, my brother Louis and I made many great memories because of the dear friends who also lived at Foster Projects and close by.
Louis Green - second row, second from the right. Photo taken 1963.
Louis Green - top row, second from right. Photo taken 1964.
Lloyd Green - top row on the left. Photo taken in 1965.
A few years after I graduated, the construction of the new school began. Sometime around 1970, the plan was for the new school to to be built next to PS 170 while classes continued. Upon completion, the students would be moved to their new home (PS 185) and PS 170 would finally be torn down.
As the six guys pose for the photograph below, it's difficult to miss the building that looks the way that PS 170 must have after it had been discarded.
As the six guys pose for the photograph below, it's difficult to miss the building that looks the way that PS 170 must have after it had been discarded.
PS 185 - The Locke School for Arts and Engineering was that new school. The area where PS 170 once proudly stood, became an empty lot, which is utilized as the school's beautiful new playground.
PS 185 - 20 West 112th Street
|
Playground next to school on 112th Street side
|
Playground next to school on 111th Street side
Public School 170 will always be a part of the history of Foster Projects/MLKT, which I am proud to be a part of.
JUDITH HODGE
10/22/2019 04:49:21 pmI attended PS 170. I was in the IGC classes. I love seeing the pictures of PS 170 and hearing about and sharing good memories.
REPLY
LLOYD GREEN
10/28/2019 08:08:51 pmGlad you enjoy. I will try to keep it entertaining and memorable.
REINALDO RAY ALEQUIN
10/2/2021 07:20:30 pmAttended from 9/55 to 6/ 62. Lived at 21 west 112th in the Foster projects. Love the school
RANDY
10/24/2019 06:19:42 amThose pictures was very nice took me back to when i was in PS 170 as a kid from 1960 to 1965 i use to live at 24 Lenox ave between 111th st and 112th st fund memories, the picture with the guys with the boom box was not the 70's that was the 80's they didnt have boom boxes until the mid 80's.
REPLY
LLOYD GREEN
10/28/2019 08:10:25 pm
What you said makes sense. I've adjusted that information. Thank you.
THOMAS BLACKNELL
7/30/2020 04:18:52 pm
Lived across the street on the East side of P.S. 170 on 112th ST. 32 W. They call me Peewee, '54 to 60'
10/22/2019 04:49:21 pmI attended PS 170. I was in the IGC classes. I love seeing the pictures of PS 170 and hearing about and sharing good memories.
REPLY
LLOYD GREEN
10/28/2019 08:08:51 pmGlad you enjoy. I will try to keep it entertaining and memorable.
REINALDO RAY ALEQUIN
10/2/2021 07:20:30 pmAttended from 9/55 to 6/ 62. Lived at 21 west 112th in the Foster projects. Love the school
RANDY
10/24/2019 06:19:42 amThose pictures was very nice took me back to when i was in PS 170 as a kid from 1960 to 1965 i use to live at 24 Lenox ave between 111th st and 112th st fund memories, the picture with the guys with the boom box was not the 70's that was the 80's they didnt have boom boxes until the mid 80's.
REPLY
LLOYD GREEN
10/28/2019 08:10:25 pm
What you said makes sense. I've adjusted that information. Thank you.
THOMAS BLACKNELL
7/30/2020 04:18:52 pm
Lived across the street on the East side of P.S. 170 on 112th ST. 32 W. They call me Peewee, '54 to 60'